Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

4.8
(6,718 reviews)

12 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. This jam-packed tour offers stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance to escape the bustle of modern life. Two versions available: Enjoy an optional cruise or a whisky distillery tour, depending on your chosen tour option.

Immerse yourself in Scottish culture through captivating myths, legends, and historical landmarks. Visit the mysterious Loch Ness, marvel at the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and (season permitting) meet the iconic Highland Cows.

Every winding road reveals new photo opportunities, stories, and memories.

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
Food and drinks
No Toilet/Restroom on board. There are no public toilets available by the departure point.
WiFi on board
Please note that we do not allow groups over 8 passengers, and ask that groups book private tours.
Boat Cruise option: Loch Ness Boat Cruise (Adults £21, Children £14. We suggest paying in cash to help speed up the process)
Whisky Distillery option: Deanston Distillery tour & tasting (£15.50 for adults, £6 for children)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Burns Monument

We meet in front of Burns Monument, at 1759 Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined CHECK-IN STARTS AT 7:15 AM, CLOSES AT 7:55 AM, LAST BUS DEPARTS 8 AM.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Callander

    For those joining the Boat Cruise Option, our first stop of the day will be in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers its guests plenty of place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and views toward the Trossachs. (Please note that during the summer one coach per day will drive the route in reserve and will make an alternative comfort stop due to limited opening hours in Callander).

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre

    Passengers joining the Whisky Distillery Option, your journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery instead of Callander. Housed in a former cotton mill and nestled on the banks of the River Teith, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included), where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston’s finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies. *Please note that the minimum age on the distillery tour is 8.*

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (Pass by)

    As we enter The ‘Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park’ our bus weaves through hills, mountains and Glens. These remote places were once inhabited by Highland Clans, not to mention Scotland’s most famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, whom some consider The Scottish Robin Hood. Look out across the landscape and picture what it was like as you hear the remarkable bloodthirsty stories of betrayal and revenge as told by your guide.

    Admission ticket free
  • Fort William (Pass by)

    The tour then takes you through Fort William and past the spectacular Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. The Nevis Range towers over the winding road as you continue your journey to Loch Ness.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Glencoe

    We stop for a short visit to Glencoe, which was the scene of one of Scotland’s most shocking massacres. As you gaze at the haunting hills, you notice the Glen is eerily silent. In the 17th century one of the worst acts of betrayal occurred here. Your guide will recount the details of this betrayal for you. You can almost feel the sorrow in the mountains of the ‘weeping valley’. Above all though, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. A highlight of any tour to the Scottish Highlands!

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Fort Augustus

    We arrive in Fort Augustus, a charming, postcard-perfect, Highland village on the Southern shores of the Loch. If you booked the Boat Cruise Option you will have the opportunity to take a fantastic 1-hour cruise on the loch with our friends at Cruise Loch Ness. The local crew on board share their experiences of Nessie, as you search for yourself. For those who do not wish to take the optional boat cruise and those joining the Whisky Distillery Option, you will have time to explore the village and its beautiful Caledonian Canal lock system, built by the famous engineer Thomas Telford in the 19th century, that descends through the heart of the village into Loch Ness. Walk further along the canal and if there is time, into the surrounding countryside to enjoy mountainous views. **The Whisky Distillery option will have a shorter stop in Fort Augustus, approx. 45-60 minutes.**

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Commando Monument

    Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland. Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Cairngorms National Park (Pass by)

    Heading south we travel through the Cairngorm National Park where Red squirrels, roe deer, red deer, soaring buzzards, pine martens, golden eagles and osprey can be found. Our final stop of the day is Pitlochry

    Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Pitlochry

    On our way south, we stop by the town of Pitlochry to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. This picturesque town is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. It sits below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie), the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel, in some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland. With a backdrop of surrounding hills and beautiful woodlands, it is wonderful walking country.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Forth Bridge (Pass by)

    As we re-enter Edinburgh from the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Edinburgh

    We drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations in case of delayed, and that we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The Scottish weather is unpredictable, and it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
  • We encourage bringing a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
  • There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
  • Please ensure you book the Whisky Distillery option if you’d like to do the distillery tour, and the Boat Cruise option if you’d like to do the boat cruise. Optional cruise or distillery tour are not included and will depend on the option you select when booking, tickets can be purchased during the tour.
Supplied by The Hairy Coo

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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